Patria Restaurant

OPEN HOURS: 17:30 – 22:30 Monday – Sunday 10:00 – 14:30 Sunday

Wandering by an alley on Toronto’s busy King St. West, we were surprise to glimpse a glow and lively vibe emanating from its depths. Upon entry, you are impressed with the striking decor and full-on art-piece by Laura Carwardine. Laid over a two-story mural designed by Marlo Onilla, the installation of 17,000 knitted cross stitches.

Patria is another part of Charles Khabouth’s INK Entertainment. Charles Khabouth is really an impressive figure … cutting a swath across Toronto’s scene. The dining is medium formal and reservations are recommended … although they take walk-ins at the bar, and we think that is a much more entertaining place to dine!

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The strong Spanish menu by Australian chef Swart Cammeron holds up against the visuals. During one of our visits he personally prepared the tapas at the bar for us.

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A good note is that if you are at the bar, you can ask for crystal glasses which from the side cabinet – while being much prettier, we thought our drinks did taste better!

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Our advice is to stay away from the paella and stick with the classical tapas. The manchego croquettes with aioli are perfect. Follow that up with the pan con tomatae (home made sour dough), Almendras asadas (Salted Marcona Almonds), pimientos de padron, garbanzo con espinacas, pulpo montaditos over romesco sauce, Patatas Bravas with spicy tomato sauce and a fried egg on top (break the yolk and mix it with the potatoes), etc, etc ….. Just have fun!

Weslodge Saloon

Striking would be the word for this wild game meets urban dandy brunch Den. The hunting theme decor sets the tone to another trendy spot by Toronto’s night life mogul Charles Khabouth.

Quite obviously, the menu is heavy on the meat side – but there are good options all around. The decor pulled us in for brunch regardless. The limited menu was countered by good service from holster-wearing weight staff.

Our plate of scrambled eggs on puff pastry, filled with ricotta and asparagus was quite scrumptious. While the Benny Trout with its well poached eggs on English muffin sided with hollandaise sauce was a tasty take on the standard.

All-in-all Weslodge’s culinary edge cuts through the heavy handed – yet inspiring – design to hold interest and make it a good-go.

Sense Appeal Coffee Roasters

OPEN HOURS: 7:30 – 18:00 Mon – Fri 9:00 – 17:00 Sat – Sun

Bar far the best coffee we found in Toronto – happily complimented with amazing pastries and a perfect baklava. The croissants are perfect due to obvious top-notch baking skills combined with high-end (mostly organic) ingredients. A winning combination every time.

Delicious daily planed lunch menus round out a lovely location. These tasty lunches sell out early in the afternoon – so don’t dawdle!

Note that the the entrance is not obvious as you go through the lobby of an office building. Keep an eye out for the window display.

Beautiful contemporary design with a dash of an austere industrial look – striped marble counter tops decorated, attractive wall textures and custom lighting by design firm Commute Home – belies the warmth found with the staff and food. One special detail we loved was they presented us the bill inside a book. Nyood is quite stylish and still retains charm – worth checking it out.

Executive chef Ariel Copland, created a menu with a little of everything. We went for brunch and had a very pleasant experience – with food and excellent service; our bartender was very attentive and offer great tips about the city. He even helped me work through some morning crankiness with an espresso and a smile!

During our visit the the ambiance was quite chill and relaxed, but we hear the restaurant takes a very different direction at night. Word is it becomes a full on party scene – and with the plethora of open space, one could easily envision a chic crowd getting down!